Let’s face it. Sometimes life can be so incredibly hard. One day you wake up with the world at your fingertips. Then you get dealt a blow — one you think only happens to others.

That’s exactly what happened to one of our generous donors. Life was good, business was great and then – Boom. A scheduled trip to the doctor turned into a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The story grows from there.

No excuses | Mercedes donor knows about regular checks!

We all know that we should get our annual exams – female or male. Yet, so often we pass them off as unnecessary. No big deal! That’s where we can start to slide the slippery slope of irresponsibility, right? We would never choose that word for ourselves, but our donor has a message about exactly that.

The day he was diagnosed he’d almost blown off his dreaded annual appointment. He decided he’d better go. Frighteningly, he was sent for further testing. The doctor said it was probably nothing, but it needed to be checked. Again, his natural reaction was to slough it off and try to get out of it. He realized that he was using his busy-ness as an excuse, though. Furthermore, he knew it was a small price to pay in the form of his time, to ensure his future would be bright.

What a sucker punch to hear the ‘C’ word on the other side of the check up. The good news? Early detection meant his survival was pretty certain. Thankfully, that has proven to be the case!

In his words, it’s a stupid disease for a man to die from because it is very treatable if caught early. Men just don’t want to talk about it. It’s embarrassing and degrading so the misconceptions around it are perpetuated instead of being dealt with. Sure, the process can be harsh but the alternative isn’t pretty either.

Inspired by a scary diagnosis, he opted to make a difference for Prostate Cancer Canada

Our donor wants to up the ante in awareness so men feel compelled to look after themselves. It’s important to him that they get their exams done.

So, he’s come up with a pretty stellar plan to do just that! His journey has inspired him to make a substantial donation to help others in the same situation. His greatest goal, going forward, is to bring awareness about this disease, and to help others realize the importance of early detection.

How is he underscoring his message? What is his extraordinarily generous plan? He’s donating a Mercedes!

This isn’t just any ol’ Benz.  It is a V12, 500 HP powerhouse that will give any Lamborghini driver a run for his money! The pristine Mercedes Benz S-Series will be auctioned off to the highest bidder on June 21st at Regal Auctions in Calgary, all proceeds going directly to Prostate Cancer Canada.

The ripple effects of giving big

The vehicle donation generosity does not stop there! More than 40 other donated vehicles will be selling on the same day, and each sale will benefit a charity chosen by the vehicle donor.  The kindness of Canadians is over the top as these donations will be a significant contribution to the hundreds of thousands of dollars being sent to charities nationwide via Donate a Car Canada.

Donated vehicles that are re-sale ready are put up for bids. The highest bidder takes the wheels! Sold as-is, the net proceeds from the sale are disbursed to the donor’s charity of choice. Our Mercedes Benz donor will be on pins and needles awaiting the successful sale of his beauty of a car for Prostate Cancer Canada!

Curious about the auction process? Follow the Mercedes online!

Interested in this beauty? Whether you live in the Calgary area or not, you are free to bid on the Mercedes online via LiveBlock on auction day! If you do live in the Calgary region and want to experience the excitement live, please join us! You can discover more information and pertinent details on the Regal Auctions website.

One man’s vision has sparked a fire under us at Donate A Car to do our best in supporting his dream for his Mercedes. Moreover, we will continue to help others across the country donate to their chosen charities in a unique and impactful manner.

June 21^st. Regal Auctions. Calgary. Be there!

UPDATE

Outstanding news! The successful auction sale of this beauty drew a donation of over$27,000.00 for Prostate Cancer Canada!

Feeling inspired to make a difference for the cause you care about? Donating your unused, unwanted vehicle is simple, quick, and free. First, fill in an online donation form. This will take you less than 10 minutes. Then, sit back and wait for your transport agent to call and arrange your free tow. Finally, watch your inbox for your tax receipt. We’ll keep you in the loop throughout the process. Every vehicle counts and your gift can go to any charity in Canada!

The post A Man, A Mercedes and A-wareness for Prostate Cancer Canada appeared first on Donate A Car.

Distress Centres connect us

When senseless acts impact an entire community, there are only two things that matter. Looking after each other and looking after ourselves. In times of duress it can be difficult to ask or reach out for help but there are many support services in place across the country to help when we need it. None of us can manage entirely on our own. We are created for connectedness and community.

When friends or loved ones need our tender understanding and gentle care, it can be immobilizing because sometimes we just don’t know what to say or do in these situations. This article has some really good tips – 11 Things to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do.

Distress Centres in Canada need your vehicle donation!

Because we are a service to donors and charities, Donate A Car Canada is able to provide funding to any Canadian charity. This includes crisis and counselling centres. We are so grateful for the opportunity to aid such crucial causes, and encourage anyone facing life’s challenges to seek the care that can walk you through the healing process.

Please consider choosing one of our distress centres or community relief organizations as your Charity of Choice when you submit your vehicle for donation.

Also remember that your donation, regardless of the amount, changes lives.

The post When Tragedy Strikes: Distress Centres Help appeared first on Donate A Car.

 The truth of it is that it will take months and years for so many in Calgary and surrounding areas to recover. Emotionally, physically and financially.

Walking through house after house, speaking with home owners and witnessing the aftermath myself, the depth of emotion gripped me in a way that is difficult to describe. For those of us who escaped the damage? There is almost a feeling of guilt mixed with the sense that we are a part of this devastation too.  We feel the pain, loss and grief for our neighbours and our community. This is a life altering event that has changed us all.

Businesses may never reopen, zoo employees (along with thousands of others) are out of work, livelihoods are at stake. These are long term scenarios for which there are no easy answers. This is our reality.

And this is one way we can help: Canadian Red Cross

Our fellow Canadians have reached out through donations, volunteer help, thoughts and wishes. None of it goes unnoticed. We are grateful to all the selfless souls who have been part of the recovery.

To that end, we have joined forces with the Red Cross to help them in their relief efforts. When you donate your vehicle, choose the Alberta Red Cross in the charity selections. The funds will go directly to assisting flood victims through the Red Cross. Your charitable donation will also net you a tax receipt.

Why the Red Cross? They are skilled experts at assessing where the greatest needs are, and dispatching resources accordingly.  They moved in and moved mountains to help with those evacuated and displaced from their homes. They’ve worked tirelessly (as have so many).Their reputation to serve makes them an obvious choice.

This initiative is Canada wide. From sea to sea, contribute towards the largest disaster Alberta has ever experienced. This is definitely a great opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and futures.

If you have a vehicle sitting unproductive, donate it! Whether it’s an old jalopy or simply a vehicle no longer in use, please consider offering it as a token of support. In some cases, ATVs, RVs and motorcycles are acceptable as well. You can click here to begin the process (you’ll need the 17 digit VIN number from your vehicle).

Please know we are grateful for your generosity at a time when our community is reeling and most needs you.

The post Donate A Car Joins Flood Recovery: Supporting the Red Cross appeared first on Donate A Car.